5 secrets of presentation skills training you must be aware of

Posted by teresa matthews on September 19th, 2019

Standing in front of a group of people and delivering a business presentation makes your heart pound, hands sweat, and knees shake. You may either give this presentation to your potential clients or explain an idea during internal meetings. You should have the knack of keeping the presentation interesting, only then can you climb the ladder of success. You can hone the skills through presentation skills training that is available across the world.

Nowadays, presentation coaching is a part of executive communication training, as it is either the managers, executives, or CEOs who deliver presentations often. The coaching makes you feel relaxed and comfortable, which in turn makes the audience relaxed and at ease as well.

The presentation skills training reveals the following secrets:

1)    Engage the listeners: Presentation coaches provide you with a structure which you can follow that makes you more confident and saves your time as well. The format includes –
•    Goal statement: Make the objective of the business presentation sound exciting.
•    Current situation: Identify your audience, understand their challenges, problems, and the current state, as it is directly related to your subject.
•    Agenda: Prepare an outline of the information you will address. All the information covered in the presentation should circle the main agenda.
•    Audience benefit: Mention what is in store for the listeners. What is the outcome if they apply the presentation in reality? Your goal statement and audience benefit must align.

2)    Pause for power: Take deep breathe in between as it gives maximum relaxation. Inhale till the count of four and then exhale to the count of four. As you exhale, release all the tensions from your body. If need be, close your eyes. Also, if you lose your train of thoughts, take a deep breath, look back at the slide, and recollect the chain of thoughts. Another time to take a long pause is when you change slides or walk from one point to another. Pausing provides time for the audience to process what you have said.

3)    Practice the presentation: Presentation skills training emphasizes on practicing as it relaxes your mind. Two to three practice sessions not only boost your confidence but also reduces your nervousness before taking the centre space. If possible, practice in the actual environment and speak loud enough. Avoid memorizing. Elaborate the bullet points.

4)    You are the expert: The organization asks you to speak since you are aware of the topic. The audience present wants to hear out your experience, opinion, and ideas concerning the subject. Speak from your heart. If anyone asks a question for which you do not have an answer, tell them politely you will get back to them.

5)    Eye contact: Maintaining eye contact is the fastest and easiest way to reduce nervousness. Be friendly with your listeners. This helps you be natural with presentations. Focus on one person at a time. This way, you give a personalized touch to your speeches. Some listeners will nod at you and pass on smiles.

So, if you are looking for executive communication training or presentation coaching, then some of the best schools, universities, and institutes offer short courses on the same in and around your vicinity.